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NEW FILM CENSORS BOARD APPOINTED

MEDIA RELEASE

NEW FILM CENSORS BOARD APPOINTED

March 22, 2017

A new Board of Film Censors (BOFC) is now in place and the members ultimately will be given a heavy workload which includes screening film content that will ensure the local industry is in sync with the modern environment in which it operates.

This is because they will be charged with the review of the outdated Cinematograph Act of 1936, and making recommendations for new legislation which reflects today’s evolved film industry.

Minister of Public Administration and Communications, the Honourable Maxie Cuffie, set these tasks before the eleven (11) new members of the Board earlier today at a ceremony, where they were presented with their letters of appointment.

Chairperson of the Board, Ingrid E. Jahra, acknowledged the volume of work ahead for the team, and committed to working together for the development and growth of the entire sector.

Reminding the members of the importance of their job, Minister Cuffie said that the Board of Film Censors was not about “banning films”, but developing a framework for the review of legislation which governs a rapidly changing industry, as well as to “ensure that film content is shown to appropriate audiences.”

With the wide expansion of film content to television, Internet, video and video games, one of the first mandates before the Board is to make recommendations for changes to the Act.

The Board comprises stakeholders across various sectors, including the local film industry and the legal fraternity. The Board will also be charged with developing a framework to encourage investment in film and video entertainment and provide protection to minors in respect of video entertainment.